Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To reduce power consumption in a vehicle interior system with an ornament having a movable body that is operated by an actuator.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 includes an ornament (tail member 20) and a control unit 100. The ornament is provided at a vehicle interior member (seat 10). The ornament has a movable body 22. The movable body 22 is operated by an actuator connected to a vehicle's battery 31. The control unit 100 can switch modes between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode which consumes less battery power than the normal mode, depending on the conditions. In the normal mode, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a first power is supplied to the actuator to operate the movable body 22 in a first motion. In the energy-saving mode, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the movable body 22 is operated in a second motion which can be operated with a second power lower than the first power and is different from the first motion, or the movable body 22 is not operated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior system including an ornament and a control unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle interior system equipped with a plush toy-like three-dimensional notification object placed on the dashboard of a vehicle has been known (see Patent Document 1). The three-dimensional notification object notifies the occupants of various traffic information (vehicle route, driving status, etc.) through gestures, mannerisms, facial expressions, flashing lights, etc., and entertains the occupants by having conversations with them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-104103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the information is communicated by moving the arms of the three-dimensional notification object, which results in a problem of high power consumption. In particular, when the vehicle battery is low in charge or when the vehicle enters a low-emissions zone (a zone where the internal combustion engine is required to be stopped), it is necessary to reduce power consumption.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce power consumption in a vehicle interior system that includes a decorative item having a movable body that is moved by an actuator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle interior system according to the present invention includes a decorative item and a control unit. The ornament is provided on an interior member of a vehicle and has a movable body that is moved by an actuator connected to a battery of the vehicle. The control unit can switch between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less battery power than the normal mode depending on conditions, and in the normal mode, if a predetermined condition is met, a first power is supplied to the actuator to move the movable body with a first operation, and in the energy-saving mode, if a predetermined condition is met, the movable body is moved with a second operation different from the first operation, which can be moved with a second power smaller than the first power, or the movable body is not moved.

[0007] In the normal mode, the movable body operates with a first power, and in the energy saving mode, the movable body operates with a second power that is smaller than the first power, or does not move, thereby reducing power consumption in the energy saving mode.

[0008] In addition, the movable body can move up and down, and in normal mode, when predetermined conditions are met, the control unit may operate the actuator to move the movable body up, and then operate the actuator to move the movable body down, and in energy saving mode, when predetermined conditions are met, the control unit may operate the actuator to move the movable body up, and then stop the actuator and move the movable body down by gravity.

[0009] In the energy-saving mode, the movable body is moved downward by gravity, and the power required to move the movable body downward is reduced to zero, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0010] The movable body may also be movable between a separation position above and away from an occupant seated on the seat and a contact position below the separation position where it can come into contact with the occupant seated on the seat.

[0011] By configuring the movable body to be able to come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat, the occupant can recognize the action of the ornament through touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the ornament.

[0012] The separation positions may also include a first separation position that is spaced upward from the occupant by a first distance, and a second separation position that is spaced upward from the occupant by a second distance that is greater than the first distance, and the control unit may selectively execute a process of stopping the actuator from the first separation position and causing the movable body to move downward by gravity, and a process of stopping the actuator from the second separation position and causing the movable body to move downward by gravity.

[0013] By configuring the device to be able to select between a process of moving the movable body downwards by gravity from the first separated position and a process of moving the movable body downwards by gravity from the second separated position, the power required to move the movable body to the separated position can be changed, thereby reducing power consumption when the process of moving the movable body downwards by gravity from the first separated position is selected.

[0014] The interior member may be a seat, and the decorative item may be located on top of the seat.

[0015] Furthermore, the control unit may prohibit the process of moving the movable body when a vehicle collision is predicted.

[0016] Safety can be improved by configuring the control unit to prohibit processing to move the movable body when it predicts a vehicle collision.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit may switch the mode from the normal mode to the energy saving mode when it determines that the vehicle has entered a low emission region where the internal combustion engine is required to be stopped.

[0018] By configuring the vehicle so that the mode is switched to the energy saving mode when the vehicle enters a low emission area, it is possible to reduce power consumption while the vehicle is located in the low emission area.

[0019] The vehicle interior system may further include a notification unit that notifies vehicle information related to the vehicle and non-vehicle information that is information other than the vehicle information. In the normal mode, when the notification unit notifies either vehicle information or non-vehicle information, the control unit may move the movable body in an operation corresponding to the information notified by the notification unit. In the energy-saving mode, when the notification unit notifies vehicle information, the control unit may move the movable body in the same operation as in the normal mode. In the energy-saving mode, when the notification unit notifies non-vehicle information, the control unit may move the movable body in an operation different from that in the normal mode, which can be operated with less power than in the normal mode, or may not move the movable body.

[0020] When notifying vehicle information using the notification unit in the energy-saving mode, the movable body is configured to move in the same manner as in the normal mode, thereby enabling important vehicle information to be accurately conveyed to the occupants using the movement of the movable body.When notifying non-vehicle information using the notification unit in the energy-saving mode, the movable body is configured to move with less power than in the normal mode, or not to move at all, thereby enabling power consumption to be reduced.

[0021] In addition, the vehicle interior system may further include a charge amount acquisition unit that acquires the charge amount of the battery, and the control unit may reduce the power supplied to the actuator when the charge amount is equal to or less than a threshold value compared to when the charge amount is greater than the threshold value, thereby reducing the movement of the movable body.

[0022] By configuring the device to reduce the movement of the movable body when the charge level of the battery is equal to or lower than a threshold, it is possible to reduce power consumption when the charge level of the battery is low. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, in normal mode, the movable body operates at a first power, and in energy-saving mode, the movable body operates at a second power lower than the first power, or does not move, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption in energy-saving mode.

[0024] Furthermore, in the energy saving mode, the movable body is configured to move downward by gravity, so the power required to move the movable body downward is zero, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0025] Furthermore, by configuring the movable body to be able to come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat, the occupant can recognize the action of the ornament through touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the ornament.

[0026] Furthermore, by configuring the device to be able to select between a process of moving the movable body downwards by gravity from the first separated position and a process of moving the movable body downwards by gravity from the second separated position, the power required to move the movable body to the separated position can be changed, thereby reducing power consumption when the process of moving the movable body downwards by gravity from the first separated position is selected.

[0027] Furthermore, safety can be improved by configuring the control unit to prohibit processing to move the movable body when it predicts a vehicle collision.

[0028] Furthermore, by configuring the vehicle so that the mode is switched to the energy saving mode when the vehicle enters a low emission area, it is possible to reduce power consumption while the vehicle is located in the low emission area.

[0029] Furthermore, when notifying vehicle information using the notification unit in the energy-saving mode, the movable body is configured to move in the same manner as in the normal mode, thereby enabling important vehicle information to be accurately conveyed to the occupants using the movement of the movable body.When notifying non-vehicle information using the notification unit in the energy-saving mode, the movable body is configured to move with less power than in the normal mode, or not to move at all, thereby enabling power consumption to be reduced.

[0030] Furthermore, by configuring the device to reduce the movement of the movable body when the charge level of the battery is equal to or lower than a threshold, it is possible to reduce power consumption when the charge level of the battery is low. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2](a) is a diagram showing the structure of the tail member, (b) is a diagram showing the tail member moving from the initial position to the ready position, (c) is a diagram showing the tail member moving from the ready position to the separated position, and (d) is a diagram showing the tail member moving from the separated position to the contact position. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a mode switching process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a contact process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a prohibition process. [Figure 6] 10(a) to 10(c) show a vehicle interior system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a contact process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure around the robot. [Figure 10] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing the operation of the robot. [Figure 11] 10(a) and 10(b) show the difference in robot movement between normal mode and energy-saving mode. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for notifying an occupant of non-vehicle information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a camera C, a tail member 20 as an example of a decorative item, a battery 31, a charge level acquisition unit 32, a navigation system 33, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the camera C, the tail member 20, and the navigation system 33 are arranged inside the vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat or the passenger seat. In addition, in this embodiment, the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, and includes an internal combustion engine and a driving motor for driving the vehicle.

[0033] The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each constitute a seat body having a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with and supports an occupant (e.g., a driver) seated in the seat 10.

[0034] The seat cushion 11, seat back 12, and headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a skin that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The skin is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

[0035] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 11B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's thighs and buttocks.

[0036] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center of the seat back and extension portions 12B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the back of the occupant and supports the back from behind. The extension portions 12B extend from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's upper body.

[0037] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0038] The camera C is a camera that captures an image in front of the vehicle. The camera C is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. Image information captured by the camera C is output to the control unit 100.

[0039] The battery 31 is a vehicle battery. The battery 31 may be, for example, a main battery for driving connected to a driving motor, or an auxiliary battery connected to electrical equipment of the vehicle.

[0040] The charge amount acquiring unit 32 has a function of acquiring the charge amount of the battery 31. The charge amount acquiring unit 32 may be any sensor, such as a current sensor, that can detect the charge amount.

[0041] The navigation system 33 has a function of acquiring the position of the vehicle using GPS. The navigation system 33 also stores map information in which low emission areas are set. Here, a low emission area is an area where the internal combustion engine is required to be stopped, and for example, urban areas are set as low emission areas.

[0042] The tail member 20 is provided on the upper part of the seat 10. More specifically, the tail member 20 is located on the upper surface of the headrest 13. The upper surface is the outer surface of the headrest 13 other than the seating surface F. The tail member 20 protrudes from the upper surface. More specifically, the movable body 22 protrudes from the upper surface.

[0043] The tail member 20 has a base portion 21 and a movable body 22. The base portion 21 is a portion that is fixed to the headrest 13. The base portion 21 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the headrest 13 and fixed to the frame of the headrest 13.

[0044] The movable body 22 extends from the base portion 21 and is configured to be movable relative to the base portion 21. The movable body 22 has a shape that resembles, for example, a cat's tail.

[0045] 2(a), the movable body 22 has a contact sensor 22A, a joint mechanism 23 having a plurality of joints, a cushioning material 24 such as cotton or sponge that covers the joint mechanism 23, and a skin 25 that covers the cushioning material 24. The skin 25 is made of, for example, cloth or brushed fabric.

[0046] The contact sensor 22A is a sensor that detects contact between the movable body 22 and an occupant. For example, a capacitance type touch sensor or a pressure sensor can be used as the contact sensor 22A. The contact sensor 22A is located, for example, between the cover 25 and the cushioning material 24.

[0047] The joint mechanism 23 has a plurality of links 23A (serial links) rotatably connected to one another, and a wire 23B. The wire 23B connects the link 23A located at the tip end of the movable body 22 (the end of the movable body 22 farther from the base portion 21) to a winch 26A, which will be described later.

[0048] When the winch 26A is rotated forward and the wire 23B is wound around the winch 26A, the tip of the movable body 22 is pulled upward by the wire 23B, causing the movable body 22 to move upward, as shown in FIG. 2(b). When the winch 26A is rotated in the reverse direction and the wire 23B is unwound from the winch 26A when the movable body 22 is in the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2(b), the movable body 22 moves downward due to gravity. Also, when the winch 26A is stopped when the movable body 22 is in the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2(b), the weight of the movable body 22 pulls the wire 23B against the resistance of the winch 26A, causing the movable body 22 to move downward due to gravity. Note that the speed at which the movable body 22 descends due to the stop of the winch 26A is slower than the speed at which the movable body 22 descends due to the reverse rotation of the winch 26A.

[0049] The base portion 21 has a first housing 26 that supports the movable body 22, and a second housing 27 that supports the first housing 26 from below. A winch 26A, which is an example of an actuator, is provided inside the first housing 26. A motor 27A, which is an example of an actuator, is provided inside the second housing 27. The winch 26A and the motor 27A are connected to a battery 31 (see FIG. 1).

[0050] The joint mechanism may be configured, for example, as a robot arm, in which case the actuators for moving the links are multiple motors arranged near the multiple joints.

[0051] The movable body 22 is movable among an initial position shown by a solid line in Fig. 2(b), a ready position shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 2(b), a separated position shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 2(d), and a contact position shown by a solid line in Fig. 2(d). The movable body 22 in the initial position hangs backward from the upper surface of the headrest 13 and is in contact with the upper surface and the back surface of the headrest 13. The movable body 22 in the ready position extends diagonally upward and rearward from the upper surface of the headrest 13 and is spaced apart from the initial position.

[0052] The movable body 22 located at the separated position extends obliquely upward and forward from the upper surface of the headrest 13 and is spaced above the occupant seated in the seat 10. The contact position is a position below the separated position. The movable body 22 located at the contact position can come into contact with the occupant seated in the seat 10.

[0053] When the winch 26A rotates forward while the movable body 22 is in the initial position, the movable body 22 moves from the initial position to the standby position, as shown in Fig. 2(b). When the motor 27A rotates while the movable body 22 is in the standby position, the movable body 22 moves from the standby position to the separated position, as shown in Fig. 2(c). When the winch 26A stops or rotates in the reverse direction while the movable body 22 is in the separated position, the movable body 22 moves from the separated position to the contact position, as shown in Fig. 2(d).

[0054] In this embodiment, the forward rotation of winch 26A continues to maintain tension on wire 23B even after movable body 22 has been moved from the initial position to the standby position, so that movable body 22 does not drop due to gravity while moving from the standby position to the separated position, and the height position of movable body 22 does not change between the standby position and the separated position.

[0055] If the time it takes for movable body 22 to travel from the initial position through the preparation position to the separated position is set to be very short, winch 26A may be stopped when movable body 22 is moved from the initial position to the preparation position. Even in this case, movable body 22 hardly drops due to gravity while moving from the preparation position to the separated position, so the height position of movable body 22 can be set to approximately the same position at the preparation position and the separated position.

[0056] Furthermore, if the tail member 20 is provided with a locking mechanism that locks or unlocks the withdrawal of the wire 23B from the winch 26A, when the movable body 22 is moved from the initial position to the preparation position, the winch 26A may be stopped and the locking mechanism may lock the withdrawal of the wire 23B. In this case, after the movable body 22 is moved from the preparation position to the separated position, the locking mechanism may be unlocked and the winch 26A may be kept stopped or the winch 26A may be rotated in the reverse direction, thereby moving the movable body 22 from the separated position to the contact position.

[0057] The control unit 100 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10.

[0058] The control unit 100 can switch between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode in which the battery 31 consumes less power than in the normal mode, depending on the conditions. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 switches the mode from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode when it determines that the vehicle has entered a low-emission area or when it determines that the charge amount of the battery 31 has fallen below a threshold. The threshold can be, for example, 30%, which is the remaining charge at which the estimated remaining driving distance is 50 km or less.

[0059] The control unit 100 or the vehicle's ECU may be capable of executing a hybrid driving mode in which the internal combustion engine and the traction motor are selected according to conditions and used to drive the vehicle, and an electric driving mode in which only the traction motor is used to drive the vehicle. In this case, the control unit 100 or the vehicle's ECU may select the hybrid driving mode when the vehicle is not in a low-emission area, and may select the electric driving mode when the vehicle has entered a low-emission area.

[0060] The control unit 100 has a function of executing a contact process in which the movable body 22 contacts the occupant by controlling the winch 26A and the motor 27A of the tail member 20 to move the movable body 22 from the initial position to the preparation position, the separated position, and then toward the contact position. In the contact process, the control unit 100 moves the movable body 22 based on information acquired by the contact sensor 22A until it is determined that the movable body 22 has contacted the occupant.

[0061] In normal mode, when the start conditions for the contact process are satisfied, control unit 100 causes winch 26A to rotate in the forward direction to move movable body 22 upward (from the initial position to the preparation position), then rotates motor 27A to move movable body 22 from the preparation position to the separation position, and then rotates winch 26A in the reverse direction to move movable body 22 downward (from the separation position to the contact position).In energy-saving mode, when the start conditions for the contact process are satisfied, control unit 100 causes winch 26A to rotate in the forward direction to move movable body 22 upward (from the initial position to the preparation position), then rotates motor 27A to move movable body 22 from the preparation position to the separation position, and then stops winch 26A to move movable body 22 downward (from the separation position to the contact position) by gravity.

[0062] In other words, in the normal mode, the control unit 100 moves the movable body 22 by an upward movement that moves the movable body 22 upward by rotating the winch 26A in the forward direction, a rotational movement that rotates the motor 27A, and a first downward movement that moves the movable body 22 downward at a first speed by rotating the winch 26A in the reverse direction. The combination of the upward movement, rotational movement, and first downward movement is an example of a first movement. When moving the movable body 22 by the first movement, the control unit 100 supplies first winch power to the winch 26A and motor power to the motor 27A. The combined power of the first winch power and the motor power is an example of a first power.

[0063] Furthermore, in the energy saving mode, the control unit 100 moves the movable body 22 by performing the same lifting and rotational operations as in the normal mode, and a second lowering operation in which the winch 26A is stopped to move the movable body 22 downward at a second speed lower than the first speed. The combination of the lifting, rotational, and second lowering operations is an example of the second operation. When moving the movable body 22 in the second operation, the control unit 100 supplies the winch 26A with second winch power that is lower than the first winch power, and supplies the motor 27A with the same motor power as in the normal mode. The combined power of the second winch power and the motor power is an example of second power that is lower than the first power.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 100 has a function of prohibiting contact processing when a vehicle collision is predicted. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a possibility that the vehicle will collide with an object ahead based on image information acquired from the camera C, and prohibits contact processing when it determines that there is a possibility of a collision.

[0065] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the control unit 100. While the vehicle power is ON, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes, in parallel, the mode switching process shown in Fig. 3, the contact process shown in Fig. 4, and the prohibition process shown in Fig. 5.

[0066] In the mode switching process, the control unit 100 first acquires vehicle position information, which is the position of the vehicle, and map information from the navigation system 33, and also acquires the charge amount of the battery 31 from the charge amount acquisition unit 32 (S1). After step S1, the control unit 100 determines whether the vehicle has entered a low emission area based on the vehicle position information and the map information (S2).

[0067] If it is determined in step S2 that the vehicle has entered the low emission area (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the energy saving mode (S3) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S2 that the vehicle has not entered the low emission area (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the charge amount of the battery 31 is equal to or less than a threshold (S4).

[0068] If it is determined in step S4 that the charge amount of the battery 31 is equal to or less than the threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the energy saving mode (S3) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S4 that the charge amount of the battery 31 is not equal to or less than the threshold (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the normal mode (S5) and ends this process.

[0069] When the vehicle power supply is turned on, the control unit 100 starts counting up using a timer and executes the contact processing shown in FIG.

[0070] In the contact process, the control unit 100 first determines whether the timer value is equal to or greater than a threshold value (S11). Here, the condition that the timer value is equal to or greater than the threshold value is a start condition for the contact process. If the control unit 100 determines in step S11 that the timer value is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (No), it ends this process.

[0071] If it is determined in step S11 that the timer value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the mode is the normal mode (S12). If it is determined in step S12 that the mode is the normal mode (Yes), the tail member 20 is moved from the initial position to the separated position via the preparation position by the forward rotation of the winch 26A and the rotation of the motor 27A (S13).

[0072] After step S13, the control unit 100 rotates the winch 26A in the reverse direction to move the tail member 20 to the contact position at a first speed (S14). After step S14, the control unit 100 determines whether the tail member 20 has touched the occupant based on information from the contact sensor 22A, and if it determines that it has touched the occupant, returns the tail member 20 to its initial position (S15). Note that if it is not determined that it has touched the occupant even after a predetermined time has elapsed in step S15, the control unit 100 returns the tail member 20 to its initial position.

[0073] Note that, as a method for returning the movable body 22 to the initial position, for example, there is a method in which the movable body 22 is moved directly from the contact position to the initial position by rotating the motor 27A. Note that after the movable body 22 comes into contact with the occupant, the movable body 22 may be moved from the contact position to the initial position via the separated position and the ready position by rotating the winch 26A forward, rotating the motor 27A, and rotating the winch 26A backward or stopping it.

[0074] After step S15, the control unit 100 resets the timer and causes the timer to count up again (S16). After step S16, the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0075] If it is determined in step S12 that the mode is not the normal mode (No), that is, if it is the energy saving mode, the control unit 100 executes step S17, which is the same process as step S13, to move the tail member 20 from the initial position to the preparation position and then to the separated position. After step S17, the control unit 100 stops the winch 26A and moves the tail member 20 to the contact position by gravity at a second speed that is slower than the first speed (S18). After step S18, the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S15.

[0076] 5, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not there is a possibility of a collision based on image information acquired from the camera C (S21). If it is determined in step S21 that there is no possibility of a collision (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0077] If it is determined in step S21 that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), the control unit 100 prohibits the contact process (S22) and ends this process. In more detail, if the tail member 20 is not moving when the control unit 100 proceeds to step S22, it forcibly ends the contact process in Fig. 4 and does not execute the contact process thereafter. Furthermore, if the tail member 20 is moving when the control unit 100 proceeds to step S22, it forcibly ends the contact process, returns the tail member 20 to its initial position, and does not execute the contact process thereafter.

[0078] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, when an occupant gets into the vehicle and turns on the vehicle's power, the control unit 100 starts counting up the timer to start the contact process. When a predetermined time has passed since the vehicle's power was turned on, that is, when the timer value reaches a threshold value or greater, the control unit 100 starts the contact process. If the mode when the start condition of the contact process is met is the normal mode, the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 with a first power and brings the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant's head at a first speed. After the contact process is completed, the control unit 100 resets the timer and starts counting up the timer again.

[0079] By having the tail member 20 come into contact with the occupant periodically in this manner, the occupant can feel the tail member 20 as if it were a pet, and the tail member 20 is comforting to the occupant.

[0080] When the vehicle enters a low-emission area or when the charge level of the battery 31 falls below a threshold, the control unit 100 switches the mode to the energy-saving mode. When the conditions for starting the contact process are met in the energy-saving mode, the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 using a second power smaller than the first power and gravity, and brings the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant's head at a second speed smaller than the first speed.

[0081] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In the normal mode, the tail member 20 operates with a first power, and in the energy saving mode, the tail member 20 operates with a second power that is smaller than the first power, so that power consumption can be reduced in the energy saving mode.

[0082] In the energy saving mode, the tail member 20 is configured to move downward by gravity, so the power required to move the tail member 20 downward is zero, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0083] By configuring the tail member 20 to be able to come into contact with an occupant seated on the seat 10, the occupant can recognize the action of the tail member 20 by touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the tail member 20.

[0084] Safety can be improved by configuring the control unit 100 to prohibit contact processing when it predicts a vehicle collision.

[0085] By configuring the vehicle so that the mode is switched to the energy saving mode when the vehicle enters a low emission area, it is possible to reduce power consumption while the vehicle is located in the low emission area.

[0086] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components and processes as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] 6, the vehicle interior system 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tail member 20 is located on the upper surface of the seat back 12. For example, the tail member 20 is located on the left side of the upper surface of the seat back 12.

[0088] In the second embodiment, the control unit 100 can position the tail member 20 at a first ready position shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 6(a) and a second ready position shown by the dashed line in Fig. 6(a). When the movable body 22 of the tail member 20 is positioned at the second ready position, it is positioned higher than when it is positioned at the first ready position. In the second embodiment, the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 from the initial position to the first ready position or the second ready position by rotating the winch 26A in the forward direction, and then stops the winch 26A to position the tail member 20 at the first ready position or the second ready position.

[0089] The control unit 100 rotates the motor 27A from the first ready position, thereby positioning the tail member 20 at a first separated position, which is at approximately the same height as the first ready position, as shown in Figure 6(b). Also, the control unit 100 rotates the motor 27A from the second ready position, thereby positioning the tail member 20 at a second separated position, which is at approximately the same height as the second ready position, as shown in Figure 6(c).

[0090] When the tail member 20 is in the first spaced position, it is spaced above the occupant's shoulder by a first distance, and when the tail member 20 is in the second spaced position, it is spaced above the occupant's shoulder by a second distance greater than the first distance.

[0091] The control unit 100 has the function of selectively executing a process of moving the movable body 22 downward by gravity with the winch 26A stopped from the first separation position, and a process of moving the movable body 22 downward by gravity with the winch 26A stopped from the second separation position.

[0092] The control unit 100 according to the second embodiment executes the contact process shown in FIG. In the contact process, the control unit 100 can execute steps S11 and S12 similar to those in the first embodiment. If it is determined in step S12 that the mode is the normal mode (Yes), the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 from the initial position to the second separation position via the second preparation position by the forward rotation of the winch 26A and the rotation of the motor 27A (S41).

[0093] After step S41, the control unit 100 reversely rotates the winch 26A to move the tail member 20 to the contact position at a first speed (S42). After step S42, the control unit 100 executes steps S15 and S16 similar to those in the first embodiment, and then ends this process.

[0094] If it is determined in step S12 that the mode is not the normal mode (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the charge amount of the battery 31 is equal to or less than the threshold (S43). If it is determined in step S43 that the charge amount of the battery 31 is equal to or less than the threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 from the initial position to the first separated position via the first preparation position by rotating the winch 26A in the forward direction and the motor 27A (S44).

[0095] After step S44, the control unit 100 keeps the winch 26A stopped, thereby moving the tail member 20 to the contact position by gravity at a second speed slower than the first speed (S45). In more detail, when moving from step S44 to step S45, the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 from the first separated position to the contact position by gravity. After step S45, the control unit 100 moves to the processing of step S15.

[0096] If it is determined in step S43 that the charge amount of the battery 31 is not equal to or less than the threshold (No), the control unit 100 executes the process of step S46, which is the same process as step S41, to move the tail member 20 to the second separated position (S46). After step S46, the control unit 100 proceeds to step S45, and moves the tail member 20 from the second separated position to the contact position by gravity.

[0097] According to the second embodiment, when the charge level of the battery 31 is below a threshold in the energy saving mode, the tail member 20 is lowered by gravity from the first separated position, which is lower than the second separated position, so power consumption can be reduced compared to a process in which the tail member 20 is lowered by gravity from the second separated position. In more detail, the power required to move the tail member 20 from the initial position to the first separated position is less than the power required to move the tail member 20 from the initial position to the second separated position, so power consumption can be reduced.

[0098] In the second embodiment, when the charge level of the battery 31 is equal to or less than a threshold, the power supplied to the winch 26A is reduced, and the movement of the tail member 20 is reduced, compared to when the charge level is greater than the threshold, so that power consumption can be reduced when the charge level of the battery 31 is low.

[0099] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processes as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle interior system 1B according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the decorative item is a robot 40.

[0101] The robot 40 is placed in a position visible to a user seated in the seat 10. In this embodiment, the robot 40 is placed on the dashboard D.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, a robot 40 has a robot body 41, two arms 42 as an example of a movable body, and a screen 43 as an example of a notification unit. The robot body 41 has a body case 41A, two arm driving devices 41B, and a vibration device 41C.

[0103] The main body case 41A is made of resin, metal, etc. The main body case 41A is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape (see FIG. 10(d)). The arm driving device 41B is a device that rotates the arm 42 up and down when energized. The vibration device 41C is a device that vibrates when energized.

[0104] Each arm 42 is rotatably supported by the main body case 41A. Each arm 42 extends upward from the left and right sides of the main body case 41A. As shown in Fig. 10(a), each arm 42 can be rotated by an arm driving device 41B between a first arm position where the tip thereof faces upward and a second arm position where the tip thereof faces outward in the left-right direction from the first arm position.

[0105] The screen 43 can display images of the robot 40's eyes and mouth, text images, and the like. Specifically, the screen 43 can notify the occupant of vehicle information and non-vehicle information by displaying vehicle information related to the vehicle and non-vehicle information, which is information other than vehicle information. Examples of vehicle information include autonomous driving information that needs to be notified to the occupant during autonomous driving, driving operation assist information that needs to be notified to the occupant when driving operation is assisted, vehicle approach information that notifies the occupant that another vehicle is approaching the vehicle, lane departure information that indicates that the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane, and navigation information.

[0106] The non-vehicle information may include information about shops and scenery near the vehicle, recommendation information recommending tourist spots, conversation information for conversation with the occupant, etc. The robot 40 may be equipped with a speaker as a notification unit.

[0107] The robot 40 is supported by a robot support device RM. The robot support device RM has a rotation mechanism RM1 that rotatably supports the robot body 41, a lifting mechanism RM2 that moves the rotation mechanism RM1 in the vertical direction, and a forward / backward movement mechanism RM3 that moves the lifting mechanism RM2 in the forward / backward direction.

[0108] The rotation mechanism RM1 has a function of tilting the robot 40 in the left-right direction as shown in Fig. 10(c). Also, the rotation mechanism RM1 has a function of tilting the robot 40 in the front-back direction as shown in Fig. 10(d). Also, the rotation mechanism RM1 has a function of rotating the robot 40 around a vertical axis.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the lifting mechanism RM2 has a function of moving the robot 40 in the vertical direction by moving the rotation mechanism RM1 in the vertical direction. 10(d), the forward / backward movement mechanism RM3 has the function of moving the lifting mechanism RM2 in the forward / backward direction, thereby moving the robot 40 and the turning mechanism RM1 in the forward / backward direction. Note that when the robot unit consisting of the robot 40 and the robot support device RM is viewed as an ornament, the robot 40 itself corresponds to a movable body.

[0110] In normal mode, when notifying either vehicle information or non-vehicle information on the screen 43, the control unit 100 has a function of moving the arm 42 in accordance with the information notified on the screen 43. For example, if the control unit 100 determines that Mount Fuji is located to the right of the vehicle based on vehicle position information and map information, the control unit 100 notifies the occupant of first non-vehicle information, such as "Mount Fuji is visible on your right." Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(a), when notifying the occupant of the first non-vehicle information in normal mode, the control unit 100 displays an image of text such as "Mount Fuji is visible on your right" on the screen 43 and tilts the arm 42 on the right side as seen from the occupant to the right to notify the occupant of the first non-vehicle information. In this way, the control unit 100 moves the arm 42 and the robot support device RM in accordance with the content of the non-vehicle information to be notified.

[0111] As shown in Figure 11(b), when the control unit 100 notifies the first non-vehicle information on the screen 43 in the energy saving mode, it displays an image of text such as "You can see Mt. Fuji on your right" on the screen 43, but does not move the arm 42.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, when a vehicle approaches the right rear of the vehicle, the control unit 100 notifies the vehicle of the first vehicle information such as "A vehicle is approaching from the right rear." As a method for determining that a vehicle is approaching, for example, the distance between an object outside the vehicle and the vehicle can be obtained using distance sensors arranged at the four corners of the vehicle, front, rear, left, and right, and it can be determined that a vehicle is approaching when the obtained distance is equal to or less than a threshold value.

[0113] When notifying the occupant of the first vehicle information in the normal mode, the control unit 100 displays an image of text such as "A vehicle is approaching from the rear right" on the screen 43 and notifies the occupant of the first vehicle information by tilting the arm 42 on the right side as seen from the occupant to the right. When notifying the occupant of the vehicle information on the screen 43 in the energy-saving mode, the control unit 100 moves the arm 42 in the same manner as in the normal mode. In detail, when notifying the occupant of the first vehicle information in the energy-saving mode, the control unit 100 displays an image of text such as "A vehicle is approaching from the rear right" on the screen 43 and notifies the occupant of the first vehicle information by tilting the arm 42 on the right side as seen from the occupant to the right, just like in the normal mode.

[0114] The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 12 for notifying the occupant of the non-vehicle information. 12, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not it is necessary to notify the occupant of the non-vehicle information by determining whether or not the conditions for notifying the non-vehicle information are met (S61). If it is determined in step S61 that it is not necessary to notify the occupant of the non-vehicle information (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0115] If it is determined in step S61 that non-vehicle information needs to be notified (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the mode is the normal mode (S62). If it is determined in step S62 that the mode is the normal mode (Yes), the control unit 100 moves the robot 40 in accordance with the content of the non-vehicle information to be notified (S63).

[0116] After step S63, the control unit 100 displays the content of the non-vehicle information to be notified on the screen 43 (S64), and ends this process. If it is determined in step S62 that the mode is not the normal mode (No), the control unit 100 displays the content of the non-vehicle information to be notified on the screen 43 (S64) without moving the robot 40, and ends this process.

[0117] The process for notifying the occupant of the vehicle information is performed in substantially the same manner as steps S63 and S64 depending on the content of the vehicle information, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] As described above, the third embodiment can provide the following effects. When notifying vehicle information on the screen 43 in the energy saving mode, the robot 40 is configured to move in the same manner as in the normal mode, so that important vehicle information can be accurately conveyed to the occupant using the movement of the robot 40. When notifying non-vehicle information on the screen 43 in the energy saving mode, the robot 40 is configured not to move, so that power consumption can be reduced.

[0119] Note that the control of the movable body when notifying non-vehicle information in the energy saving mode is not limited to the third embodiment. For example, when notifying non-vehicle information in the energy saving mode, the control unit may operate the movable body in a manner different from that in the normal mode, which can operate with less power than in the normal mode.

[0120] Specifically, for example, when notifying non-vehicle information, the movable body may be moved a first movement amount in the normal mode, and may be moved a second movement amount smaller than the first movement amount in the energy-saving mode. Also, when notifying non-vehicle information, the movable body may be moved from a first position to a second position and then returned to the first position, performing a reciprocating motion a first number of times in the normal mode, and may be performed a second number of times smaller than the first number of times in the energy-saving mode.

[0121] In addition, when notifying non-vehicle information, in normal mode, the first movable body (e.g., the entire robot 40) may be moved, and in energy-saving mode, the second movable body (e.g., arm 42) that is lighter in weight than the first movable body may be moved.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below.

[0123] In the first embodiment, when the start condition of the contact process is satisfied in the energy saving mode, the tail member 20 is moved at a second power lower than the first power, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the start condition of the contact process is satisfied in the energy saving mode, the tail member 20 may not be moved. Specifically, for example, if the determination is No in step S12 of the contact process in Figure 4, the control unit may proceed to the process of step S16 without moving the tail member 20.

[0124] In the second embodiment, the first or second position is selected depending on whether the charge level is equal to or less than a threshold value, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second position may be selected as the position in the normal mode, and the first position may be selected as the position in the energy saving mode.

[0125] The conditions for switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode are not limited to the two conditions described in the above embodiment. For example, the mode may be set to the energy-saving mode when the vehicle is eco-driving, and the mode may be set to the normal mode when the vehicle is not eco-driving.

[0126] A plurality of decorative elements may be provided. For example, a first decorative element may be provided on the dashboard and a second decorative element may be provided on the seat. In this case, the first decorative element may always operate in normal mode regardless of the mode, and the second decorative element may operate differently in normal mode and energy-saving mode.

[0127] Power consumption may be reduced by changing the number of times the accessory moves. For example, in the first embodiment, when the contact process is performed in normal mode, the tail member 20 may be brought into contact with the occupant twice, and when the contact process is performed in energy-saving mode, the tail member 20 may be brought into contact with the occupant once.

[0128] The vehicle interior system may include a seating detection sensor that detects whether an occupant is seated in the seat. Examples of the seating detection sensor include a seating sensor on the seat and a camera that photographs the occupant. In this case, the control unit may execute the contact process when it determines that an occupant is seated in the seat based on information from the seating detection sensor, and may prohibit the contact process when it determines that an occupant is not seated in the seat. In this way, the control unit executes the contact process only after recognizing that an occupant is seated in the seat, thereby preventing malfunction and creating a sense of exclusivity that communication can only be achieved within the vehicle interior.

[0129] The vehicle interior system may include a powered device for moving at least a portion of the seat. For example, the powered device may be a device described below. Reclining device for tilting the seat back Height mechanism that moves the seat up and down -Slide device that moves the seat back and forth A movable device that changes the shape of a sheet by driving a bag (air cell) or plate member that operates by letting air in. A side frame front end lifting mechanism that switches the front end of the seat cushion side frame between an up position and a down position. Tilt mechanism that moves the seat cushion pan up and down - Center-folding mechanism that tilts the upper part of the seat back forward and backward Rotation mechanism that rotates the seat on a vertical axis -Cushion front / rear adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the front end of the seat cushion -Mechanism for rotating the ottoman up and down -Mechanism for rotating armrests up and down Armrest extension mechanism -Mechanism to switch armrest between extended and bent positions ·illumination Headrest speaker (The headrest speaker may rotate or move in at least one direction of front, back, left, right, up, down, etc.) Heaters installed in the seat back or seat cushion Seat blower, a seat air conditioning device that circulates air on the surface of the seat cushion and seat back -Vibration device that vibrates the seating surface

[0130] The decorative item may be located on an upper part of the seat other than the headrest. For example, the decorative item may be located on the upper surface of the seat back, on either the left or right side, or on the back. The decorative item may also be located on either the left or right side or the underside of the seat cushion. However, if the decorative item is located on the upper part of the seat, the movable body can come into contact with the occupant's head, making it easier for the occupant to notice the movable body coming into contact.

[0131] The contact sensor may be a camera placed in a position where it can capture an image of the occupant, or a camera provided on a movable body (for example, the tip of a tail member). In this case, the control unit may determine whether or not the movable body has touched the occupant based on information from the camera.

[0132] The control unit may change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may move the movable body so as to contact the head of the occupant when a first condition is satisfied, and may move the movable body so as to contact the shoulder of the occupant when a second condition is satisfied.

[0133] The control unit may change the contact time, which is the time during which the movable body is in contact with the occupant, depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may set the contact time to a first time when a first condition is satisfied, and may set the contact time to a second time, which is longer than the first time, when a second condition is satisfied.

[0134] The control unit may change the number of contacts, which is the number of times the movable body comes into contact with the occupant, depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may set the number of contacts to a first number when a first condition is satisfied, and may set the number of contacts to a second number greater than the first number when a second condition is satisfied.

[0135] The control unit may determine the contact time or the number of contacts based on information from a contact sensor, for example.

[0136] The control unit may cause the movable body to come into contact with the occupant based on vehicle information acquired by the vehicle. In this case, the movable body can contact the occupant to notify the occupant of any information. Examples of the vehicle information include the distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle, information on whether the preceding vehicle has started moving while the host vehicle is stopped, information on whether the host vehicle will deviate from its lane, lane change timing for lane change assistance, and steering and acceleration / deceleration information for vehicle driving assistance.

[0137] The vehicle interior system may include a notification device that notifies the occupant of information by voice or display. The notification device may be, for example, an agent device such as a robot, or a navigation system. The control unit may perform contact processing after notifying the occupant using the notification device. In this way, when notifying the occupant of information by voice or display, a contact action is added as a supplementary form of communication, so that notification can be performed using both vision or hearing and touch. The control unit may, for example, change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the information to be notified.

[0138] The control unit may execute the contact process randomly within a predetermined time period. The control unit may change the moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the movable body.

[0139] The control unit may execute the contact process based on the content of the voice acquired from the occupant.

[0140] The vehicle interior system includes a physical information acquisition unit that acquires the physique of the occupant, and the control unit may estimate the position of body parts such as the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on the physical information acquired from the physical information acquisition unit.

[0141] Examples of the physical information acquisition unit include a camera capable of photographing the occupant, a device that stores the occupant's physical information such as a smartphone or a wearable device, and multiple pressure sensors provided on the seat.

[0142] The camera may be, for example, an in-vehicle camera, an exterior camera, or a camera mounted on a movable body. In the case of an exterior camera, the control unit estimates the position of the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on an image of the occupant captured by the exterior camera before getting in the vehicle.

[0143] The contact strength (the strength with which the movable body pushes the occupant) may be changed depending on the contact position. For example, the contact strength may be strong on the top of the head and weak on the face.

[0144] The contact position may be set arbitrarily. For example, it may be set so as not to contact the face or head of the occupant so as not to ruin their hair or makeup. For example, the head may be set as the first position, the sides of the face as the second position, the ears as the third position, and the shoulders as the fourth position. A plurality of movable bodies may be provided, and may be capable of coming into contact with the thighs, abdomen, or arms of the occupant.

[0145] The control unit may estimate the physical and mental state of the occupant based on the biological information. The control unit may increase the frequency of contact processing when the occupant's mental state is deteriorating.

[0146] The control unit may change the posture of the seat so that the movable body is more likely to come into contact with the occupant. For example, the control unit may perform at least one of the following processes before performing the contact process. The tilt-up mechanism tilts up the front end of the seat cushion, allowing the occupant's body to lean backward. The reclining mechanism moves the seat back toward the occupant, rotating the seat back to a position where the tail member of the headrest can contact the occupant. Whether the seat back has reached a position where it can contact the occupant can be determined, for example, based on information from a pressure sensor installed in the seat back. The ottoman drive mechanism raises the ottoman, allowing the occupant's body to lean backward.

[0147] Before executing the contact process, the control unit may activate a vibration device provided on the seat to notify that the movable body will start moving.

[0148] The movable body may be provided with a heater, which can warm the part of the occupant's body that comes into contact with the movable body, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. The headrest may be equipped with a heater.

[0149] The interior member on which the decorative item is provided is not limited to the headrest of the driver's seat, but may also be a member (seat cushion, seat back, headrest) constituting another seat such as the passenger seat. If the seat has an armrest or ottoman, the interior member may be the armrest or ottoman.

[0150] Other examples of interior components include a center console box located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a dashboard, inner panels of doors and vehicle side walls, a roof lining, an interior opening / closing cover of a sunroof, etc. The decorative item may be provided, for example, on the upper part of the rear surface of the seat back, the left and right bulging portions that bulge out above the seat surface of the seat cushion, the sides of the headrest, the top surface of the dashboard or above the meter hood, the center console box, etc.

[0151] The ornament is not limited to a cat's tail. For example, other examples of ornaments include models imitating body parts (ears, limbs, whiskers) of animals such as dogs and cats, stuffed toys imitating the entire body of a human or animal, models imitating characters that anthropomorphize objects or living things, models imitating plants such as flowers and trees, models of buildings such as castles, and robots. The movable body may be the arms or legs of a robot, or a device that rotates or raises and lowers the entire robot.

[0152] Changing the shape of an ornament is not limited to changing between a straight and a bent state, and any change that changes the external shape of the ornament is acceptable. For example, if the ornament is made up of air cells that can expand and contract with air, the shape of the ornament may change between a normal state and a state that is more deflated than the normal state. In this case, the actuator that changes the shape of the ornament may be a pump that switches between supplying and discharging air to the ornament.

[0153] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in JP 2023-008896 A.

[0154] The ornament may also have a plurality of stacked air cells. In this case, by selecting the air cells to inflate, the shape of the ornament can be changed in multiple stages.

[0155] The decorative item may also have a shape memory alloy. In this case, a heater is provided on or around the decorative item. The shape memory alloy may be configured, for example, to assume a first straight shape when the temperature of the shape memory alloy is below a predetermined temperature, and assume a second bent shape when the temperature is above the predetermined temperature. The control unit may change the shape of the shape memory alloy by controlling the heater.

[0156] The decorative item may have a display unit, a communication unit, a speaker, etc. The decorative item may be operable by an operation input unit such as a seat, door, or navigation system.

[0157] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0158] Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods. 1. A manufacturing method for a vehicle interior system comprising: an ornament to be attached to an interior member of a vehicle, the ornament having a movable body moved by an actuator connected to the vehicle's battery; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of switching between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode in which less power is consumed by the battery than in the normal mode, depending on conditions; in the normal mode, when a predetermined condition is met, a first power is supplied to the actuator to move the movable body with a first action; and in the energy-saving mode, when the predetermined condition is met, the movable body is moved with a second action different from the first action, which can be moved with a second power smaller than the first power, or the movable body does not move, the manufacturing method for a vehicle interior system comprising the steps of: attaching the ornament to the interior member; and connecting the actuator to the battery and the control unit.

[0159] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1. Vehicle interior systems 10 sheets 20 Tail Material 22 Movable body 26A Winch 27A motor 31 Battery 100 control section

Claims

1. a decorative item provided on an interior member of a vehicle, the decorative item having a movable body that is moved by an actuator connected to a battery of the vehicle; a control unit, The control unit A normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less power from the battery than the normal mode can be switched depending on conditions, In the normal mode, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a first power is supplied to the actuator to move the movable body by a first action; A vehicle interior system characterized in that, in the energy saving mode, when the specified conditions are met, the movable body is moved in a second operation different from the first operation, which can be operated with a second power smaller than the first power, or the movable body is not moved.

2. The movable body is movable up and down, The control unit In the normal mode, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the actuator is actuated to move the movable body upward, and then the actuator is actuated to move the movable body downward; 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein, in the energy saving mode, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the actuator is actuated to move the movable body upward, and then the actuator is stopped to move the movable body downward by gravity.

3. The movable body is a spaced position above and spaced from a seated occupant; 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle interior system is movable between a contact position below the separation position and a contact position where the vehicle interior system can come into contact with a passenger seated in the seat.

4. The spaced position is a first spaced position spaced upwardly from the occupant by a first distance; a second spaced position spaced upwardly from the occupant by a second distance greater than the first distance; The control unit a process of stopping the actuator from the first separated position and moving the movable body downward by gravity; 4. The vehicle interior system according to claim 3, wherein the actuator is stopped from the second separated position and the movable body is moved downward by gravity.

5. the interior member is a seat, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the decorative item is located above the seat.

6. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit prohibits the process of moving the movable body when a collision of the vehicle is predicted.

7. The control unit 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the mode is switched from the normal mode to the energy saving mode when it is determined that the vehicle has entered a low emission region where the internal combustion engine is required to be stopped.

8. a notification unit that notifies the user of vehicle information related to the vehicle and non-vehicle information other than the vehicle information; The control unit In the normal mode, when the notification unit notifies either the vehicle information or the non-vehicle information, the movable body is moved in accordance with the information notified by the notification unit; In the energy saving mode, When the notification unit notifies the vehicle information, the movable body is moved in the same manner as in the normal mode; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the notification unit notifies the non-vehicle information, the movable body is moved in an operation different from that in the normal mode, which can be operated with less power than in the normal mode, or the movable body is not moved.

9. a charge amount acquisition unit that acquires a charge amount of the battery; The control unit 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein when the charge amount is equal to or less than a threshold, the power supplied to the actuator is reduced compared to when the charge amount is greater than the threshold, thereby reducing the movement of the movable body.

Images